Art at the Getty – Traveling through Time
Posted in Art, Historic, Museums | By Shelley Gillespie | Tags: Art, Los Angeles, Museum, Travel
Once you’ve had a chance to see the art and architecture on the grounds of the Getty Center (see yesterday’s blog), head inside for some tours of the different pavilions.
Tours around the Getty Center will provide some enlightening and entertaining background on the art on display. The great thing about the Getty is that the tours are free and the tour guides are lively and interesting.We took the tour that showed the “Art after 1800” that showed us the West Pavilion. Getty himself preferred his art early, especially before 1900 (except for the photos on display), so the art reflects that preference.
Our tour guide spent quite a bit of time examining this portrait by Tissot. There is symbolism and much detail that tells about the people who commissioned the painting. The Marquise has wealth and status, yet she looks bored or annoyed.
Marquise de Miramar - Tissot
Monet’s paintings represent the early Impressionist works and a good example is the Haystacks, also sometimes called “Grainstacks.” What is unusual about this and other similar paintings is that Money was preparing several paintings that each reflected how the light fell on the same haystack as the sun changed the lighting.
Monet - Haystack (also called Grainstack)
The irises painted by Van Gogh have brilliant, vivid colors, but what the tour guide dwelt on was the one white iris. Apparently, that symbolized Van Gogh – different from others. The painting, completed while he was in an asylum, was the most expensive art ever purchased.
Van Gogh's Irises
Although I favor the Impressionists, there is something for almost everyone. The buildings connect at an upper level and you can wander about seeing sculpture, other paintings, decorative arts, photography and more without going outside if you have a bad weather day.
Definitely see the sculpture on the grounds and the gardens, though. They are soothing and include a waterfall.
Also, families should take some time to visit the family room to “explore art together.” The family room allows hands on exploration and isn’t giant in scope. The families we saw there seemed to be enjoying themselves.
We toured the Getty on a Saturday and a great crowd was arriving to enjoy a special courtyard event with live music and refreshments. People were arriving in droves, so we took our departure.
We enjoyed our trip to the Getty Center. I’d go back – especially to enjoy the grounds.
Tags: Art, Los Angeles, Museum, Travel